$6.85 million for game-changing healthcare solutions

A non-evasive device to monitor pregnancy and labour progression and a respirator for healthcare workers at risk of airborne viruses such as influenza and measles, as well as emerging pathogens such as Ebola, were some of the successful recipients together awarded $6.85 million by the NSW Government.

Minister for Health and Medical Research Brad Hazzard announced the recipients of the 2019 Medical Devices Fund, which invests in the development and commercialisation of medical devices and related technologies, at an event at Parliament House on Wednesday 21 August.

Now in its seventh round, more than $55 million in grants has been awarded to 35 technologies since the Fund began in 2013.

Past Medical Devices Fund recipients have now raised more than $690 million in funding, treated more than 300,000 patients and all have tripled their staff in the process.

The accomplishments and achievements of past recipients attests the success of the Medical Devices Fund including Elastagen, an elastic protein human skin replacement, and Sound Scout, a touch screen app that identifies and detects childhood hearing issues.

Other recipients this year included a device that allows clinicians, for the first time, to see the formation and integrity of the normally ‘invisible’ tear film of the eye, and a smartphone app to help patients adopt healthy habits, backed by proprietary behavioural science and AI powered algorithms.

The NSW Government recognises that investing in health and medical research is essential to the ongoing improvement of the NSW health system. It is integral to the delivery of better treatments and interventions for patients, improving health services delivery and cultivating health outcomes at both the clinical and population level.

Congratulations to the 2019 Medical Devices Fund grant recipients, whose inspiring and innovative work will have a significant impact on the State’s health system and the wider community. This year’s recipients were:

• Baymatob Pty Ltd ($2.96 million): Oli™, a non-invasive device for remote monitoring of pregnancy and labour progression
• CleanSpace Technology Pty Ltd ($2.311 million): CleanSpace Halo is a re-useable respirator specifically designed in healthcare for pandemic preparedness
• Beyond 700 Pty Ltd ($830,000): a camera that enables the invisible team film to be seen and observed
• Perx Health ($748,000): a digital therapeutic that engages and motivates patients to better manage their conditions and form healthy habits.

For more information visit the Medical Devices Fund page.